Designing a cubicle-styled working environment involves much more than just providing a workstation and a chair. The arrangement of the working environment, specifically inside each cubicle, may greatly influence employee’s effectiveness, comfort, and job satisfaction. With careful designing, even a small workplace can be made ergonomic and work-friendly for employees.
Some of the considerations when planning cubicle designs include the furniture type, the type of lighting, and the type of storage option to incorporate. Incorporating the above cited elements fosters an environment that is not only productive but also healthy.
Here are the important factors to consider when designing the perfect cubicle workplace.
Ergonomic Furniture and Layout
Perhaps one of the most important things that should be considered when designing cubicles is ergonomics. Using ergonomic furniture like adjustable chairs, standing desks and monitor stands minimize body aches due to lengthy working hours. An effective cubicle workstation design should encompass convenience and ergonomics. Take into consideration ergonomically friendly chairs and desks that enable the employment of postural alterations from time to time.
Proper Lighting
Another one of the essential and most crucial elements that are important in a cubicle workstation is lighting. Ideally, natural light is preferred since it has positive impacts on moods and energy levels, but this is not achievable in most working environments. If this is the case, then adequate artificial lighting should be provided within the workstation area. Go for something that is not overly bright and not overly dark. Types of lighting include task lights like table lamps which direct light to areas that are relevant to specific tasks, helping users to avoid eye fatigue.
Storage Solutions
Organization is very important when it comes to setting up a working environment. All parts of the cubicle should also be well-planned. It should have enough drawers such as file cabinets, shelves, or drawers. Disorganized environments result in distractions, so, allocate some space where employees can keep their documents, tools, and personal belongings. For instance, in situations when a cubicle workstation is relatively small, vertical storage options, like wall-mounted shelves, will be particularly helpful.
Privacy and Sound Control
Cubicles are frequently installed in open spaces, where the noise level and distractions are significant challenges. Blinds or separators may possibly prevent sight-related disturbances and present an individualized area. Further, open area dividing elements such as fabric dividers or acoustic hoods can also help reduce noise levels and provide a relatively quiet environment in which to work.
Personalization and Comfort
Recent studies have shown that the ability of employees to alter their cubicle’s looks affects their level of comfort and job satisfaction. Some of these areas can be easily adorned with family pictures, small potted plants or other ornaments, making the cubicle workstation look very individualistic, as opposed to the overall company’s environment. In addition, adding such comfort features as footrests, cushions or even keyboard stands can make a significant positive difference.
Technology Integration
Lastly, make sure that there is an adequate number of power outlets, USB outlets, and cable management systems to accommodate the wires. With the seismic shift toward working with laptops, printers, and the like, it is also imperative that desks offer sufficient equipment compatibility for equipment such as computer screens or cameras